While the world is expectant of news about results of Sudan’s recent referendum on whether the black South should form their own country, reports show that the arrest of Sudan opposition leader Dr. Hassan al-Turabi are dominating major news from Khartoum.
Dr. Hassan al-Turabi
Apart from the potential of losing the south and its major oil fields, Sudan President Omar El Bashir is faced with economic woes that have seen his government increase prices of most products, spurting protests in different parts of north Sudan.
Turabi yesterday called for protests if the government does not stop the increased price of products and services that has made life difficult for many Sudanese in recent weeks.
But with Tunisia’s long time president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali leaving the country after similar protests, the Sudan government seems unwilling to let any such social protests to cause similar affairs in the oil rich but debt laden Sudan with a huge current account deficit.
Many African leaders presiding over dissatisfied citizens are grappling with Ben Ali’s overthrow by Tunisia’s sustained and are hoping such never happens in their own countries.
Turabi, a former basher ally parted ways in 2000 with the long time Sudan President and has been arrested several times to curtail his growing influence on Sudan affairs.